But if Carpenter has another successful practice outing like he had Tuesday, during which he threw 50 pitches under simulated-game conditions, you can count on him to make as many as three starts before the end of the regular season.

Carpenter's next practice outing is scheduled for Monday, during which he figures to reach 70-75 pitches. If that goes well, he likely would need only one more session — if that — before making his 2012 debut.